Whaling
A highly targeted phishing attack aimed specifically at senior executives (the "big fish"), using personalised lures related to their business role or authority.
Whaling is spear phishing aimed at the biggest targets — CEOs, CFOs, managing directors, and board members. Because executives have authority to approve large payments, access sensitive data, and make strategic decisions, they are the highest-value targets for attackers. Whaling emails often reference legal matters, regulatory issues, or board-level concerns to create urgency.